Pistons fall to Golden State 104-97

AUBURN HILLS - The Warriors’ Draymond Green used to come to The Palace as a fan and dream about one day playing in the NBA.

Wednesday night Green’s dream came true as he took the court and helped Golden State defeat the Detroit Pistons 104-97.

“It means a lot,” Green said of playing at The Palace as a professional. “It’s a great feeling. Coming to these games all the time, college, high school. Just seeing this. I always said, ‘I want to be here.’ Finally to be here, coming back here to play in a game back in my home state is a great feeling. I’m honored.”

The former Michigan State star has earned a spot as a role player off the bench for the Warriors.

Green admitted being a role player was an adjustment from his days as a Spartan, but he is relishing the role.

“At the end of the day there is 450 guys in this league,” Green said. “There’s not 450 scorers. In order to have a winning team, guys have to play different roles. I want to do those little things it takes to win in order to make us a winning team.”

The Warriors are off to an impressive 11-7 start this season.

Green has earned praise from Golden State coach Mark Jackson not only for his play, but also his intangibles.

“Heck of a basketball player,” Jackson said of Green. “Big-time IQ. He’s a guy that’s as smart as any rookie I’ve ever seen. He knows the game, great competitor, a coach on the floor and is a leader. The same things you guys know in this area is what we watched in the draft process and what we’ve embraced since then.”

Jackson said he’s seen rookies lead before, but it’s usually point guards. Green has been able to do it despite not having a set position.

“He’s playing a little bit of everything,” Jackson said. “He’s playing 2, 3, 4. He’s defended 5s. He’s defended 1s, I think. That’s the luxury of having him. If you need a job done, he’s the guy to call.”

Green said he’ll speak up when he feels he should, but at the same time he’s trying to learn from the team’s veterans.

“I think the No. 1 thing is no matter what you’re open to learn because no matter what you can’t replace 8, 7, 6 years in this league of experience,” Green said. “I’m always looking to learn from these guys. But also if I think there’s something that needs to be said, that can be said, I’m not going to just say, ‘I’m a rookie. I’m not going to say it.’ If there’s something I think needs to be said I’m going to say it and however I need to say it.

“It also comes with gaining respect of your teammates. You’re not going to just walk in somewhere and be able to tell a vet, ‘Do this or you should’ve done that.’ ‘Rook, get out of here.’ So you have to gain respect of the guys as well.”

The Pelicans?Reports are the New Orleans Hornets plan on switching their nickname to the Pelicans.

The switch has drew a wide variety of responses, but Louisiana native Greg Monroe is not a fan of the switch.

“That’s what they chose,” Monroe said. “We just have to play them. I understand why it’s the Pelicans, it’s the Louisiana state bird. Personally, you could come up with something a little more intimidating. The Cajuns or something would have been more than enough. Pelicans, I don’t know. ... I was surprised they chose the Pelicans.”

Dave Pemberton covers the Pistons for The Oakland Press. Email him at dave.pemberton@oakpress.com and follow him on Twitter @drpemberton.